Anyone pay much attention to the Pirates lately?

Since Aug. 1, they have been averaging six runs per game and took a 23-19 record into this weekend's series in Houston.

The team scored 240 runs and collected 421 hits — leading the major leagues in both categories — from Aug. 1 through Sept. 10.

Some will argue that those numbers mean nothing because the Pirates were long out of playoff contention before this stretch of success began.

That's true — but this recent run of success has been accomplished against teams still in playoff contention.

Of those 42 games, 30 have been against teams still battling for a playoff spot or in firm playoff position right now:St. Louis, Arizona, the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia, Colorado and Milwaukee.

The Pirates are 16-14 in those games.

So what does all of this mean?

It means the Pirates should be one of those playoff contenders.

Scoff if you must, but the St. Louis Cardinals began play this weekend five games below .500, yet only four games out of first place in the mediocre National League Central.

The Pirates should certainly be part of that mix. Contrary to popular belief, their talent isn't that bad and the managerial team needs to be held accountable.

Jim Tracy and his staff can't lean on the excuse that their talent isn't good enough to compete in this division, because it is.

Consider the following:

n The Pirates have played 88 errorless games this year. Only the Colorado Rockies rank higher in fielding percentage among National League clubs.

n Of their last 10 series — again, primarily against contending clubs — the Pirates have dropped only two.

n Ronny Paulino is hitting .295 since the All-Star break. Freddy Sanchez leads all NLbatters with 39 RBIsince Aug. 1. Jack Wilson leads all major leaguers with a .418 batting average since Aug. 1.

n Pirates pinch-hitters are batting .421 — 24 for 57 — with six homers and 18 RBIsince Aug. 1.

n Since June 28, Adam LaRoche is hitting .336 with 13 homers and 44 RBI.

The Pirates offense has come on late in the season despite little production from Jason Bay and little playing time from injury-riddled Xavier Nady, two of the team's best hitters.

On the pitching side, the starting rotation of Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell, Paul Maholm and Matt Morris looks solid. And there's plenty of potential for a quality fifth starter in 2008. That person could be Zach Duke, Bryan Bullington or John VanBenschoten — maybe even Sean Burnett or Shane Youman.

Forget about the 15 years of losing seasons. Most of these names haven't been around for a whole lot of that.

The Pirates should be on the rise and should be able to take advantage of a division that lacks a standout team in 2008.

It's up to the new general manager and his manager — Tracy or whoever — to make it happen.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.